When you’re feeling blah, meh or just generally uninspired, there’s a quick cure: the TED website. The TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences started back in 1984, and today TED Talks are known for launching the most innovative, mind-blowing ideas into the world. Here are nine TED Talks we love. Side effects may include laughter, tears and sharing them with everyone you know on Facebook.
This 2010 talk at TEDxHouston started it all for researcher/storyteller Brene Brown, who’s now a bestselling author. In her work, she’s found that people living wholehearted lives have the courage to be imperfect, are kind to themselves and embrace vulnerability. When we let go of the need for control, our lives get better. That’s a message we need in these tightly wound times: Her talk has been viewed more than 15 million times.
Jill Bolte, a brain scientist, woke up one day and discovered that her own brain was broken. A blood vessel exploded in the left half of her brain, leaving her unable to walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her memories. The story of her recovery, and why she believes her stroke was blessing, will make you appreciate the power of your own brain, and of human resilience.
Even if poetry is not your thing, spoken word poet Sarah Kay will blow you away with performances of her work. She also tells the story of how she went from a teenager hanging out at poetry clubs to becoming a teacher with Project V.O.I.C.E. You’ll be a spoken word fanatic by the time this talk is over.
What if you could increase your lifespan by playing games? Sounds crazy, but McGonigal’s brainchild SuperBetter does this by boosting your physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing. She argues that instead of being a waste of time and an escape from reality, games can help you gain the confidence, strength and the optimism you need to conquer life’s toughest challenges. What are you waiting for? Start playin’.